How Possible Budget Cuts Could Change Your Vacation Plans

Feb 28, 2013


All national parks and monuments, including those in the Pacific Northwest, will have to cut 5 percent of their budgets. That might not sound like a lot, but the vast majority of their budgets cover things like salaries and utilities.

That leaves little money for things like summer programs and seasonal employees. Barb Maynes is a spokeswoman for Olympic National Park in Washington. She says parks are working to limit the cuts at important destinations. “If we could make a reduction in a well-used campground versus a lesser-used campground, we would be looking at that. “

Budget cuts would mean a popular visitor center will close at Mount Rainier National Park. Crater Lake National Park will shut down a campground and close most restrooms around the rim. In Idaho, Craters of the Moon National Monument will reduce ranger-guided walks.

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